ICE’s $2 Million Spyware Deal Raises Data Privacy Concerns

According to The Guardian, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has signed a $2 million contract with Paragon Solutions, the Israeli company founded which makes spyware that can be used to hack into any mobile phone – including encrypted applications. Graphite is reportedly capable of hacking smartphones, extracting encrypted messages from apps like WhatsApp and Signal, tracking locations, and remotely activating microphones or cameras.

Privacy and human rights groups warn that such technology poses serious risks to data security and civil liberties, particularly in the absence of transparent oversight. Critics argue that ICE’s access to invasive spyware could enable mass or targeted surveillance —contradicting the Biden administration’s 2023 executive order restricting federal use of commercial spyware linked to abuses.

While Paragon insists its tools are used only for lawful investigations, there are strong concerns about lack of transparency over how ICE will deploy Graphite: what legal oversight, warrants, or accountability procedures will be in place.